Methods for making low resistivity joints

Abstract

Method for joining wires using low resistivity joints is provided. More specifically, methods of joining one or more wires having superconductive filaments, such as magnesium diboride filaments, are provided. The wires are joined by a low resistivity joint to form wires of a desired length for applications, such in medical imaging applications.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of joining wires, the method comprising:
 introducing a magnesium diboride joint material to an end of a first wire and an end of a second wire at a joint area, wherein at least one of the first and second wires comprises superconductive magnesium diboride filaments, and wherein the magnesium diboride joint material comprises a solid joint material having bore holes formed therein; 
 stripping the ends of each of the first and second wires to expose an extended portion of the superconductive magnesium diboride filaments of each of the first and second wires; 
 inserting the extended portion of the superconductive magnesium diboride filaments of each of the first and second wires into the bore holes; and 
 affecting the joint area such that the end of the first wire and the end of the second wire are electrically and mechanically coupled through the magnesium diboride joint material. 
 
     
     
       2. The method, as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein each of the first and second wires comprises the superconductive magnesium diboride filaments. 
     
     
       3. The method, as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein affecting the joint area comprises heating the joint area to sinter the superconductive magnesium diboride filaments of each of the first and second wires and the magnesium diboride joint material. 
     
     
       4. The method, as set forth in  claim 1 , comprising:
 preparing the end of the first wire; and 
 preparing the end of the second wire, before introducing the magnesium diboride joint material. 
 
     
     
       5. The method, as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein stripping the ends of the first and second wires comprises stripping a cladding material to expose the extended portion of the superconductive magnesium diboride filaments of each of the first and second wires. 
     
     
       6. The method, as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the magnesium diboride joint material is doped. 
     
     
       7. The method, as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein introducing a magnesium diboride joint material comprises disposing a composite material comprising magnesium diboride and at least one other material on the joint area. 
     
     
       8. The method, as set forth in  claim 7 , wherein the at least one other material comprises a superconductor.